Mutations and epigenetic changes can make a lasting impact on our genes, but they go about change in distinct ways.

A MUTATION...

AN EPIGENETIC CHANGE...

Modifies the epigenome, which determines which genes are expressed (turned on) or silenced (turned off)

Can occur at any point in life

Mainly occurs during crucial points in development, particularly in the womb and during the slow growth period, which precedes puberty

Could have a pathological effect; it’s the result of damage or a molecular mistake

Is usually an adaptive measure to help a person survive in his or her environment

Changes the DNA sequence. Mutations include the insertion or deletion of a base pair or a change in a base pair

Changes the scaffolding that carries the DNA sequence. In one method, methylation, a chemical compound called a methyl group attaches to cytosine (C), barring nearby genes from being transcribed into a protein